The government told the Supreme Court on Tuesday it has framed a scheme to set up a dozen special courts for a year to fast-track the trial of 1,581 criminal cases against politicians, including parliamentarians and state legislators. These cases were declared by politicians in 2014 when they filed their nomination papers for the Lok Sabha polls as well as elections to eight state assemblies. Law ministry additional secretary Reeta Vasishta submitted a two-page affidavit to the top court regarding the central scheme and said the finance ministry has approved Rs 7.8 crore to set up these courts. The affidavit was in response to the top courts November 2 order that asked the government to draw a roadmap for special courts for speedy trial of lawmakers facing criminal charges. The court is hearing a petition by advocate Ashwini Upadhyaya, who has sought a life ban on convicted politicians from contesting elections. The government has opposed the life ban.